Wonders of wood

I have been making lots of small wood works at the moment. It gives me so much joy to give them to friends. I really enjoy making them, they are certainly not perfect but they are made with love and my time. It has been such a hard year for so many this year. I have been so grateful for my family and friends. I hope 2021 holds good health and happiness for us all.
 

Whittling adventures

Using a very special Japanese axe Carol purchased in Kyoto. Really beautiful to use on the timber. 

 I have really been loving going to a class in whittling with the amazing Carol Russell.  Carol is an outstanding teacher, her knowledge and expertise is incredible. Such a genuine, generous, kind talented person. I feel fortunate to be in her class. It has been so good for me in so many ways. I am totally calm and relaxed when there, it is like a meditation as I am totally focussed on what I am doing and thinking of nothing else. I truly love the stillness of it. The wood is beautiful to work with , I feel it re-connects me to nature. I have been trying different techniques and finishes.

The joy of friendship

Very blessed today to be able to catch up ( covid safely) with very dear friends after many months of separation due to the covid pandemic. We still had phone connection but such a joy to be able to see one another in person. We all met studying art together ten years ago and have continued to support and care about one another over the years. It is always  wonderful to be able to share our thoughts and art inspirations. It has been a very difficult year for so many this year, you certainly work out what is important to you and what you truly appreciate. I really value my friendship with these ladies so much. Connection is so important to us all. 
 

Out and about

 I love visiting the Qld Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. Such incredible pieces of work like  "Boomerang "by Ai Weiwei and Mavis Ngallametta exhibition "Show me the way to go home." Such inspiring work. So fortunate to have access to these exhibitions. I have been spending lots of time walking and enjoying nature, planning my new work. 

Endure-keepers of the past

I have just placed some pictures of my new work on the blog. Endure-keepers of the past is a work I have done about a dear friend of mine who is fifth generation on the land. This work was inspired by some words she wrote:
"Of the soil, moulded by experience
bent and almost broken by adversity
nurtured by love to grow, blossom and mature
the seeds of wisdom for future generations.
A fifth generation woman of the land."

Women on the land reflect the character of the land itself- diverse, adaptable, strong, persistent, caring, enduring. They are the keepers of past experience and the nourishment for future generations. With this work my aim was to give voice to women on the land highlighting their fragility, strength and resilience. The work is made of handmade paper which I made from grasses and bulrush collected from her property. The shadow was an important part as she is one with the land she has so much love for the land and her connection to it. A rootedness to the earth everything coming back to the soil, connection to her sense of place. The shadow behind her reflecting 5 past generations and she is looking forward to the future. The raindrops in her hand and two suspended under her hand reflect the unpredictable rainfall and diverse impact this has on rural communities. It signifies the hardships and experiences personally endured.  On the base under her feet

I used paper thread  stitching in a circular pattern reflecting the cycles of change, movement year in and out, recurring rhythms of nature. More pics under sculpture.

In difficult times

Currently we are experiencing a very different world with the coronavirus epidemic. I am not working and am isolating at home. I am very blessed to have my art and garden to keep me busy. I am missing my grandchildren terribly but so fortunate to see them on facetime and be able to be safe and well. My heart and thoughts are with those who are experiencing unemployment, loneliness,  loss and grief. It has been heartwarming to see the acts of love and kindness, community and care for one another , humanity united. I make sure everyday I write down three things I am grateful for. I have started these two portraits for the Brisbane Portrait Prize.

 Having lots of struggles but that is always good as i am learning. Keep safe dear friends.

Persistence

 Well when they say a labour of love, they sure mean it. These pants I have made have been one of the most difficult things I have ever attempted. I have learnt through so many mistakes. I am not a sewer but after so many hours of hand sewing I think I am getting the hang of it. I hope persistence has paid off as I had to completely take them apart twice and am nearly happy with them.

The lights for the feet are working so it is starting to come together. My deadline is fast approaching March 3.

Its nice when plans work

 I was unsure how I was going to hide the electrical parts for my sculpture and am using a door as a plinth so have chiseled out a pathway and it has worked. I will enclose the top and paint. Sometimes you never know if something is going to work until you try it.

Progressing slowly

 I feel very blessed to have a small studio space at home. I can pop in when I can and do as much as I can.

 Using the paper thread has been a challenge. I have had to go slowly as it has a tendency to tangle.

I recently returned from the McGregor School in Toowoomba where I did an experimental drawing workshop with Nic Plowman. He is an outstanding teacher , wonderful man and incredible artist. 

There is always lots of problem solving to do and thinking of ways to make it work. I am clearing a space for the lighting cables to go.

A New Year

I have been very blessed spending Christmas and New Year with my family. I hope this year will bring you good health, much happiness, joy and inspiration. I am back into work on my new sculpture. Sewing with the paper thread is quite challenging. I am pre marking the holes with an awl. Two rows down 30 to go.

 I never seem to make it easy for myself. I hope I learn to do this over time. I cant spring up off the floor like I used to.